Asparagus Crowns: Planting & Growing Guide

April 12, 2022 Bill Hageman

Bundle of freshly harvested asparagus spears

Introduction

Plant asparagus crowns in a permanent, sunny bed with deep, well-drained soil. Space crowns about 12–18 inches apart in rows at least 3 feet apart, keep the roots from drying before planting, and wait until the second year for a light harvest. A well-sited asparagus bed can remain productive for many years.

Choose and prepare the asparagus bed

Asparagus is a hardy perennial, so select a location that will not be disturbed by annual tillage. Full sun supports sturdy fern growth and future spear production. Test the soil before planting and correct drainage, pH, and nutrient problems according to the test results. Work finished compost into the bed, but avoid creating a rich pocket of amendment that can hold water around the crowns.

Remove perennial weeds before planting. If gophers are a recurring problem, install an appropriate underground barrier before the crowns go in. Shop asparagus crowns and review the broader perennial vegetable crowns and roots guide before laying out the bed.

When and how to plant asparagus crowns

Plant dormant crowns in spring as soon as the soil is workable and no longer saturated. Open the shipping package promptly and keep the roots cool and slightly moist until planting; do not let them dry out.

Dig a furrow about 6–8 inches deep. Space rows at least 3 feet apart.
Set each crown with the buds facing up and spread the roots naturally. Allow about 12–18 inches between crowns.
Cover the crowns with 2–3 inches of soil and water thoroughly.
As the shoots grow, gradually add soil until the furrow is level with the surrounding bed. Do not bury emerging shoots all at once.

If frozen or saturated soil delays planting, heel the crowns into damp soil or sand in a cool, protected place. Check them frequently and plant in the permanent bed as soon as conditions allow.

Watering, feeding, and weed control

Consistent moisture is especially important during planting and the first seasons of fern development. Water deeply enough to moisten the root zone, then allow excess water to drain. Mulch can conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but keep it loose around emerging spears.

Weed by hand or cultivate very shallowly so you do not damage the crowns. Let healthy ferns grow through summer; they manufacture the energy stored for next year's crop. Use a soil test rather than routinely applying a high-phosphorus fertilizer. Compost and a balanced amendment may be appropriate where the test shows a need.

When to harvest asparagus

Season after planting crowns	Harvest approach
First year	Do not harvest. Let every spear become a fern.
Second year	Take a light, short harvest only from vigorous plants.
Third year and later	Harvest spears while they are tight and tender, then stop by early summer and let the remaining spears fern out.

Stop harvesting when spear size declines or by the locally recommended early-summer cutoff. Cut or snap spears near soil level without injuring nearby buds. Leave the ferns standing until they turn brown after frost, then remove the dead growth to reduce overwintering pest habitat.

Plan the rest of the perennial bed

Use the berry and vine seasonal care calendar as a model for scheduling dormant-season work, and see the perennial vegetable crowns and roots collection for other long-lived edible crops.

FAQs About Asparagus Crowns

When is the best time to plant asparagus crowns?

Asparagus crowns are generally planted in early spring, once the soil is workable and conditions are suitable for planting. One-year-old dormant crowns are commonly used because they establish faster than starting asparagus from seed. Crowns should be kept cool and moist and planted promptly so the roots do not dry out.

How deep and how far apart should asparagus crowns be planted?

Plant asparagus crowns in a furrow roughly 6–8 inches deep, depending on soil conditions, with about 12 inches between plants. Rows should generally be at least 3 feet apart, although wider spacing may be preferable depending on the growing system and available space. Cover the crowns with only a few inches of soil initially, then gradually fill the furrow as the plants grow.

Should asparagus be harvested in the first year after planting?

For home gardens, it is generally best not to harvest asparagus during the first spring after planting crowns. Allowing all the spears to develop into ferns gives the young plants time to build energy reserves in their crowns and roots. A light harvest may be possible in the second spring for vigorous plants, while more substantial harvesting is normally reserved for established plants.

When should you stop harvesting asparagus?

Stop harvesting when spear production slows, spears become noticeably thinner, or the plants begin producing fern-like growth. The exact harvest period depends on the plant's age, climate, and growing conditions. Established beds can commonly be harvested for several weeks, while younger plantings require shorter harvest periods. Stopping harvest allows the remaining spears to develop into ferns and replenish the plant's energy reserves.

How should asparagus plants be cared for after harvesting?

After harvesting ends, allow the remaining spears to grow into ferns, which photosynthesize and transfer carbohydrates to the crowns for storage. Maintain adequate moisture and control weeds while the ferns are growing. Once the foliage has completely turned brown and the plants are dormant, the dead ferns can be removed. Asparagus is a long-lived perennial, so avoiding root disturbance and maintaining a suitable, well-drained planting site are important for continued production.

Asparagus Growth and Variety Guides

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4 comments

Tom, I would go ahead and plant them and see if they grow.

My crowns have dried out. Is it worth planting them?

Molly, you would just plant as normal. Try not to break off the new shoot as you are planting and maybe not cover the new shoot deeply with soil. You are not going to do anything with the new plants the first couple of years, just let them grow.

Planting crowns tomorrow. There is some “shoot” growth out of the crowns. How should I deal with them in the planting process please?